Tips Offered For Riding Out Winter's Storms And Freezing Cold

January 30, 1991

Snow flurries can suddenly turn into a vicious winter storm, causing us to measure a snowfall in feet instead of inches. Being isolated in your home can be a very real possibility. By making certain preparations now, you can ease the hardships you and your family could suffer. Here are some tips to help you at home during severe winter weather.

Two necessities are food and heat. Stock an emergency supply of natural, quick-energy foods that allow the body to produce its own heat efficiently like peanut butter, raisins and other dried fruits. The amount would depend on the size of your family, but you should have enough food for several days to a week. Even if you are within walking distance of a grocery store, their supplies may dwindle if roads are closed to supply trucks. Include foods that require no cooking unless you have a camp stove or other portable cooking unit.

Make sure you have adequate ventilation when using a portable cooking unit. Never burn charcoal inside. No amount of ventilation can diffuse the deadly carbon monoxide given off by burning charcoal. If you're using your grill, cook outside. It's safer than trying to rig ventilation inside that may not be adequate.

Try to keep an adequate supply of fuel in your home. Regular supplies may be limited by storm conditions, so use it sparingly. You can conserve fuel by keeping the house cooler and by closing off little-used rooms.

Severe winter weather does not necessarily involve a storm. Extremely low temperatures can cause problems, too. Remember, in an emergency, an alternative heating source would keep at least one room warm.